Search - Cowboy Junkies :: Radio 1 Sessions

Worth the Price for Tracks 1-5!

jburrows | 10/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a whole, this cd is quite good. I particularly like the first 5 tracks, which are stripped-down, more bare bones versions of these songs. Margo's vocals are incredibly crisp and clear and the sounds quality is first rate, the sum of which makes her performance stellar, haunting. Tracks 6-8 are also quite good and I am glad to have these "alternate" versions in my collection. The last 4 tracks are quite good too, but slightly disapponting in some respects, which I will explain. Having seen the Junkies perform live on a number of occasions, particularly in 1998-2002, I have really grown to like the live versions of songs included here, particularly "Lay it Down" and "Just Wanna See." Performed as a full band, with Jeff Bird and Karin Bergquist & Linford Detweiler of Over the Rhine, these songs are well-layered, mesmerizing, rocking, aural experiences (check out the "Open Road" cd/dvd for a particularly great rendition of "Lay it Down.") So, that is what I have grown accustomed too. The versions here, recorded 6 years ago, are more like the originals from "Lay it Down," but slightly rendered. It is neat, I will say, to hear the songs in a more original format and then to see them as they have evolved and are performed today. So, in that respect, these songs are cool; you can almost here Michael wanting to rip it up on some of these tracks, like he does nowadays, but alas, he gives into restraint. The addition of Peter and Alan on percussion and bass, absent from the first 8 tracks, is perfect since the first track the whole band launches into is "Common Disaster," with its great bass line. As noted in the prelude to this track, and in the liner notes, Margo has a cold and its effect on her voice and range are noticeable; it perhaps it may have been better to strip-down on these songs as well. Despite this, the renditions here are still good but just seem to pale relative to the earlier tracks. This recording is well-worth the money. One more note: it would be wonderful to get a similar recording of sessions from "Pale Sun Crescent Moon" and "Miles from Our Home." I have no idea if similar BBC (or CBC) recording exist from these times, but I would love to own them!"

Cowboy Junkies: Radio 1 Sessions

Noel Free | Cincinnati, OH | 10/24/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first Cowboy Junkies disc that I've ever been disappointed with. While I frequently like leaner versions of previously released music, I found the quality of both the performance and recording (or mastering) of every cut to be vastly superior on their OTHER discs. At the beginning of of cut 9 (Common disaster), they even chat about the fact that Margo Timmins has a cold, so it's no surprise that her voice isn't nearly as good as usual."

Worthy addition for the Junkies fan

johnnyraw | Clinton, TN USA | 12/18/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I recently picked up a copy of the afforementioned disk. Having listened to Cowboy Junkies for the duration of their recording careers, I would highly recommend this disk to any casual or hardcore fan. The recording quality is excellent as on the majority of BBC recordings. Personally, I am not a live disk afficionado. I usually prefer cleaner, studio versions when enjoying music at home. Of course, there are quite a few notable exceptions many of which are BBC recordings. Also, if you like the Junkies, I would recommend checking out the reissues of Alejandro Escovedo's first two disks, Gravity and Thirteen Years, which both include quality bonus live material. Pick this one up, light a few candles, turn it up and enjoy."